Ruto, Gachagua, Raila Out Of The Country

President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga are currently out of the country.

In a statement on his social media platforms, Raila, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, revealed that he travelled to India alongside his wife, Ida Odinga.

“Mama Ida Odinga and I are in India, courtesy of our mutual friends who graciously introduced us to the fundamentals and advantages of Ayurvedic practices,” stated Raila who shared a photo of himself holding a small plaque.

Raila Odinga holding a small plaque in India on October 24, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

On his part, President Ruto flew to Saudi Arabia to attend the Future Investment Initiative Conference at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference in Riyadh.

Attending alongside him was Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, world leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, among others

Ruto then held talks with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia who pledged to push for more investments in Kenya’s renewable energy.

"Africa has made progress in economic growth, regional cooperation and democratisation. However, these advancements continue to be threatened by insecurity, violence and terrorism," stated Ruto following the talks.

"Kenya welcomes Saudi Arabia’s bold commitment to intervene and help tame conflicts in the region. This will go a long way in stabilising the continent."

Ruto also met PepsiCo's Chief Executive Officer for Africa, Middle East and South Asia, Eugene Willemsen, and announced that PepsiCo had shown interest in setting up operations in Nairobi, Kenya. Ruto's Economic Advisor David Ndii was also present.

PepsiCo is an American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation with 23 brands. The company administers the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.

DP Gachagua on the other hand left the country for Belgium on a three-day official visit. With Ruto and Gachagua away, this leaves Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi in charge of the country.

According to a statement released by Gachagua's office on Monday, October 23, the Deputy President will represent President William Ruto at the Global Gateway Forum hosted by the European Commission in the Capital, Brussels.

"The Forum aims to strengthen relations between the European Union (EU) and its partners, including Kenya, in key sectors such as digital innovation, green energy, transport, healthcare and education," the statement read in part.

"On the sidelines, the Deputy President will hold talks with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on boosting bilateral ties between Kenya and the EU."

The two-day forum will bring together over 40 high-level government representatives from the EU and its partner countries, financial institutions, the private sector, civil societies, and international organisations.

On Friday, October 13, Gachagua revealed details of his new foreign travel agreement with President Ruto after criticism emerged on why they were outside the country at the same time.

Speaking during the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) women's congress, Gachagua revealed that the two Kenya Kwanza government leaders agreed to not travel outside the country simultaneously.

"You want me to be in charge (when Ruto is away). There was a time when we were abroad, and the people we left behind misbehaved.

"We have now agreed that when he has travelled on a foreign tour, I remain in the country, and when he returns, I leave. And there is no problem," he stated to the delight and applause of the delegates.